Yoshimi Kato STRIX V-Tsuchime Santoku

Superbly finished with a laser thin profile and very thin tip perfect for intricate work, the santoku is slightly shorter and with a rounder belly than the bunka in this range and boasts not just looks but exceptional performance and edge retention from the extremely hard STRIX steel core.

 

All orders shipped UK and Worldwide are sent fully tracked and insured as standard and we dispatch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

UK Shipping

  • Free DPD Shipping on all orders over £100
  • Orders under £100 are charged a small fee and different delivery speeds and services are available to select at checkout

If your order contains a blade, no matter what the price it will be dispatched with DPD and ID will be required on delivery.

Worldwide

  • Flat rate - £25 on orders under £350
  • Free Shipping on all orders over £350

Some international exclusions apply and all orders sent outside UK are dispatched DDU (Duties Unpaid) and payment of local tax and import duty is the responsibility of the customer.

Postage and returns

Product Code: KATO-028-##

First Impressions

Talk about high class finish, everything about this range of knives is strikingly well done. The distictive "v-tsuchime" cladding pattern and high polish are of course eye catching but one look along the thin spine and a glance at the incredibly thin choil profile will have your wanting to use this knfe right away. 

A real high quality laser finished to a very high standard as you expect from Kato-san.

In Hand

Everything you'd want in a high standard Japanese knife is here. The comfortable octaogonal rosewood wa handles, the subtle rounded finish along the spine and around the heel are comfortable and feel great and the knives are well balanced and if you're looking to also perform intricate tasks, the tips on all the knives are exceptionally thin and designed for just that.

Durability

SG STRIX steel is really quite special indeed, it boasts the easy care and sharpening of SG2 but with the ability to hardened to an extremely high level, in the case of this range - 65HRC which is comparable to specialist steels like ZDP189 or HAP40. 

As a result, the edge retention of STRIX is superb, it's ideal for busy professional environments in particular and will last longer between sharpening sessions. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

The beauty of SG STRIX compared to the other extremely hard steels like ZDP189 and HAP40 is how easy it is to sharpen by comparison. It's been designed to take an edge very quickly and so for long term care it's an increasingly popular steel among blacksmiths and chefs alike. 

It's also stainless (and clad with stainless steel) so beyond the normal washing and drying recommendation for any Japanese knife this is a range that's easy to look after and keep sharp easily!

Our Verdict

Stunning looks, an exceptional grind and profile along with a high quality finish in a steel that's easy to look after and sharpen while offering great edge retention - it's hard to be more positive than that! 

If you're looking for a high quality Japanese knife from one of the masters of the trade then these deserve to be on your shortlist. 

Knife Measurements - Yoshimi Kato STRIX V-Tsuchime Santoku

  • Blade Edge Length: 170mm / 6.69" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 312mm / 12.28" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 46mm / 1.81" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 1.95mm / 0.08" (Spine width above the heel) 1.9mm / 0.07" (Measured halfway along spine) 0.95mm / 0.04" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 123 grams / 4.34 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel:
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 65 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
  • Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and finishes.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Meet the maker

Yoshimi Kato

Yoshimi Kato is a highly respected blacksmith based in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan’s oldest and most renowned knife-making regions. After taking over the workshop from his father-in-law, master craftsman Hiroshi Kato, he has continued to uphold a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship while developing his own distinct style and techniques.

Working from Takefu Knife Village, Kato produces knives that showcase his deep understanding of steel and his precise approach to forging and heat treatment. Each blade demonstrates his dedication to balance, performance and refined aesthetics, often featuring beautiful damascus patterns and polished finishes.

In addition to creating knives under his own name, Yoshimi Kato is also known for forging several popular lines for the Masakage brand. His work captures the essence of Echizen’s blacksmithing tradition — a blend of heritage, innovation and artistry admired by chefs and collectors worldwide.

View all Yoshimi Kato products

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a proudly independent family run small business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.

We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen. Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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